A soldier at heart, Brig Chandpuri worked tirelessly for people

Ramkrishan Upadhyay

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 17

While the hero of the 1971 Indo-Pak War, Brig Kuldip Singh Chandpuri (retd), will always be remembered for his bravery, those who worked with him during his tenure as a nominated councillor with the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation remembered him as a person who worked tirelessly for the welfare of society.

Nominated to the city MC as a councillor by the Chandigarh Administration in 2007, he won the hearts of one and all, cutting across the party lines.

Former Mayor Subhash Chawla said whenever the tempers ran high, Chandpuri restored decorum through his soothing words.

Former Mayor Pradeep Chhabra said they always sought his opinion on important issues. He raised many issues regarding the welfare of the ex-servicemen. It was he who demanded to exempt the ex-servicemen from paying property tax.

He commanded such as respect from his fellow coucillors that for the consecutive four years, he acted as the presiding officer for the mayoral poll in the city. The Martyrs’ Pillar, dedicated to 27 war heroes from the city, came up due to his efforts. He also promoted sports activities in the city.

Dr AP Sanbaria, a former nominated councillor, said as a solider, Chandpuri was committed to his work. They worked together for five years on different committees. Chandpuri was also instrumental in framing the pet dog bylaws. He took six months to frame the rules. Dr Sanbaria said he never lost cool on any issue.

Always humble, helpful 

Notwithstanding his exploits on the battlefield, he was a humble and respectable person. Even after retirement, he took active interest in the affairs of the Punjab Regiment, to which he belonged. He attended the meets of the association and never turned away any soldier who approached him for help or assistance, — Col Rajinder Singh (retd), President, Punjab Regimental Officers’ Association, Chandigarh

Led the life of saint-soldier  

He was a true leader and led the life of a saint-soldier. He did selfless service and a wonderful job in 1971. Jovial and helpful at all times, he was worth his weight in gold. His demise is a big loss for the nation as well as the Punjab Regiment. — Brig HS Ghuman (retd)   

Acted as inspiration for youth 

Besides being a true soldier, Brigadier Chandpuri also contributed immensely towards nation building by motivating the youth of the Balachaur-Hoshiarpur belt, to which he belonged, to pursue developmental activities. In addition, he was very active in sports, serving as an umpire or referee for various games. — Brig KS Kahlon